Flow cytometry

Flow cytometry has been used in the laboratory since 1993. It is performed with the help of FACScan system (Becton Dickinson, USA). The procedures are carried out in collaboration with the scientists of the Research Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Belarus.

Flow cytometry is one of the best methods to detect leukemias (immunophenotyping of leukemia cells) and to detect:

• hematopoietic stem cells (CD34+);
• patient’s immune status;
• phase of the tumor cell cycle;
• markers of autoimmune diseases (HLA -В27);
• disorders of platelet function;
• reticulocytes;
• viral antigens and some solid tumors.

The technology helps to confirm diagnosis in more than 50% of leukemia cases, to precisely count the number of hematopoietic stem cells required for transplantation and to monitor immune status after bone marrow transplantation.

Annually, over 70 patients with leukemia have tests in the laboratory, over 100 of transplant sample of bone marrow and blood cells are examined, the cell cycle and apoptosis of leukemic cells are studied, immune status of the patients with hematopoietic malignancies is evaluated in collaboration with the specialists of the Research Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion and the National Cancer Center of Belarus.